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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Styron say he was betrayed the summer before he was hospitalized?
(a) His friends deserted him.
(b) His wife cheated on him.
(c) He could not longer drink any alcohol at all.
(d) His doctor treated him with the wrong drug.

2. What term does Styron use to describe his depression?
(a) A black tempest.
(b) A deep hole.
(c) An excruciating pain.
(d) A hole in his heart.

3. What does this music make him realize?
(a) That he didn't want to life any more.
(b) That his suicide would hurt his wife too much.
(c) That he couldn't leave all the pleasant memories that the house around him held.
(d) That music could restore his soul.

4. According to Styron, what is the greatest fallacy about suicide?
(a) The idea that there is one particular cause.
(b) That people only have to "buck up."
(c) That suicide is a painless way to go.
(d) That all depressed people commit suicide.

5. What does Styron call the condition of the person suffering unrelenting depression?
(a) The situation of the walking wounded.
(b) Potentially criminal people.
(c) A sure suicide.
(d) The position of being in a black fog.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does he throw his diary in the garbage instead of burning it?

2. What hope does Styron say a depressed person can have?

3. What does the doctor tell Styron about his medicine, Halcion, and its dosage?

4. What is so frustrating about depression for artists, musicians, and scientists?

5. What is a common occurrence in people planning suicide?

(see the answer keys)

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